1. Nehemiah God put first in the City Neh: 8-10

2. Write a cryptic confession on one of the cards on the table.

3. 50,000 Put God First - Ordered Nation - Feared by neighbouring lands - Hysteria - Expectation - Wall is built

4. Put God First God is central to this whole story. Fear of God = when we put ourselves in perspective with God. “God” used 66 times. “Lord” used 18 times.

5. Put God First “When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” (Neh 1:4) “And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.” (Neh 2:8) “The God of heaven will give us success.” (Neh 2:2) “Our God will fight for us!” (Neh 4:20) “…Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do.” (Neh 7:2)

6. Put God First - Celebrate 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read. 9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

7. Put God First - Confess The law convicted them. Israelites confess their sins. They confess the sins of previous generations. “But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our forefathers… Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us.” (Neh 9: 36-37) Make a new agreement with God.

8. The wall is built The first thing they did was do what God wanted them to do. What are you going to do?

9. O Sacred King O Sacred King, O Holy King How can I honour You rightly, Honour that's fit for Your name? Sacred friend, O Holy friend I don't take what You give lightly Friendship instead of disgrace. For it's the mystery of the universe You're the God of holiness, Yet You welcome souls like me. And with the blessing of Your Father's heart You disciple the ones You love There's kindness in Your majesty Jesus those who recognise Your power Know just how wonderful You are - that You draw near.